Starting this week, the property owner will begin the first phase of compensation plantings and restoration work in areas adjacent to Howitt Creek.
The work will include:

• removing invasive buckthorn shrubs, including the roots;

• improving the existing soils to help new plants establish and grow; and

• planting new native shrubs and trees.

It is expected the work will take about three weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Staff will work with the property owner to monitor the plantings over the next couple of years to ensure the proper care to help the plants thrive and grow.

The second phase of work will include further soil improvements, plantings and plant care for areas along the northern railway berms once they are rebuilt. The timeline for the work is unknown at this time.

More than 1,400 plantings are being provided through this phase and, in total, more than 3,400 trees and shrubs will be planted. Financial compensation was also provided to the City to help plant trees in other areas of Guelph at the time the tree permit was issued this past July.

The City is asking the public to stay outside of the work zones and not to disturb the new plantings.

The property owner removed trees from the site this past summer to get the site ready for future development. No specific development or site plan application has been submitted to the City.

Questions and answers:

How is the City ensuring that the trees and shrubs being planted will survive and grow?

Soil improvements and the removal of invasive plant species will help support the establishment of new plants being added along Howitt Creek. Plantings will receive watering and mulching to help them establish and grow. 

The new plants will be monitored and cared for over the next two years to help them establish and grow. After two years, any plants that die will be replaced.

Why is more vegetation being removed?

Invasive buckthorn plants are being removed from the creek corridor so that new native plants species can be planted.

Why is equipment on site?

The work requires heavy equipment to perform the soil improvement work, which involves breaking up the existing soil and mixing in new soil. In addition, equipment is needed for buckthorn removal, specifically root removal.

If you have additional questions about the tree planting and restoration work you may direct them to: April Nix, Environmental Planner, april.nix@guelph.ca